April 25, 2022 — Chicago-based executive search firm DHR Global has appointed Mary E. Clark as the first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) in Nashville. More recently, Dr. Clark has held a variety of positions at Belmont University, including Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Bridges to Belmont, Director of Multicultural Learning and Experience, and Liaison for Collaboration of the university with Metro Nashville Public Schools under the GEAR UP grant. . The assignment was led by DHR Global’s James Abruzzo, Managing Partner, Global Nonprofit Practice; Soladé Rowe, Managing Partner, Diversity and Inclusion Practice; and Philip DeBoer, director.
Reporting to President and CEO Jennifer Turner (placed by HRD in 2019), Dr. Clark is responsible for overseeing the Human Resources department and exerts cross-departmental influence across the organization. The new Director of Diversity and Inclusion serves as the content expert and brain trust for TPAC management, providing guidance and advice from DEI on all company strategies.
Dr. Clark’s appointment came after staff and management embarked on a months-long assessment in 2020 of how TPAC can better represent an increasingly diverse community, provide new perspectives within its organization, expand access to the arts and contribute to a more equitable and anti-racist approach. future.
A new direction
“During the extended hiatus from our live programming, we have taken the opportunity to reflect on our mission and organization in hopes of charting a new course for TPAC and our contribution to a more just and equitable society through the arts,” Ms. Tourneur said. “Dr. Clark shares our belief that the arts, our community, and the world are enriched by showcasing and celebrating diverse stories, and his expertise positions TPAC for meaningful growth in Nashville and the arts industry, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented on our stages.
Since joining TPAC last year, Dr. Clark has launched an Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Culture designed to create a holistic approach to strengthening TPAC as an ever-evolving, dedicated, and grounded organization. the community.
“TPAC is deeply committed to transcending lofty goals and thoughtful words in the areas of diversity, inclusion, access and equity,” said Dr. Clark. “I look forward to leading the organization’s path to positive change that is achievable, achievable and accountable.
Dr. Clark has worked in athletics, student engagement, new student programs, academic affairs, student affairs, admissions, and multicultural affairs. His expertise covers post-secondary access programs; school support services; registration management; Evaluation; campus and community outreach; diversity, equity and inclusion; policy development; student development and engagement; recruitment and retention and strategic planning.
Founded in 1980, the nonprofit Tennessee Performing Arts Center has hosted more than 14 million attendees and served more than 1.8 million children and adults with performances at TPAC, teacher resources, professional development opportunities, classroom residencies and enrichment programs. TPAC operates four venues: Andrew Jackson Hall, James K. Polk Theatre, Andrew Johnson Theater and War Memorial Auditorium. Each year, TPAC serves several hundred thousand viewers with the HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series, a variety of special engagements, and productions from three resident arts companies – Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, and Nashville Repertory Theater.
Respected recruiters
Since 1989, DHR Global has been a leading private provider of executive search solutions with over 50 wholly owned offices worldwide. DHR’s consultants specialize in all industries and functions, offering executive search, management assessment and succession planning services tailored to the qualities and specifications of its clientele.
Mr. Abruzzo has 40 years of experience as an executive search and management consultant to nonprofit organizations. Its clients span the full spectrum of non-profit organizations – cultural organizations, zoos and aquariums, national health services, universities, social services, international humanitarian organizations and trade association. Having conducted over 500 executive searches, he is recognized for his work with nonprofit boards on succession planning, strategy and executive compensation. He is also responsible for recruiting new partners, developing intellectual capital and representing DHR at non-profit industry forums.
Mr. Rowe recruits nurturing groups of underrepresented future leaders across all industries. He also acts as a strategic advisor supporting company-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives for HRD. Working across the company’s business ecosystem, Mr. Rowe’s extensive cross-industry experience as a talent and diversity management professional has added value to DHR’s leadership consulting group, by connecting executive search and organizational effectiveness solutions to the business. Prior to the executive search, he held several leadership positions in human resources, including talent management, diversity and inclusion, and talent acquisition.
Mr. DeBoer has extensive experience recruiting CEOs and other executives in the nonprofit arts/culture, social services, health, economic development, environment and education sectors. superior. His strengths in strategy, communication, networking and project management have made him a sought-after consultant and a valuable partner for his clients. Earlier in Philip’s career, he worked in higher education admissions.
Related: University of California Faucets HRD Global to find a CISO
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor; Dale M. Zupsansky, editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
